Boone Softball Team Should Raise All Funds For Stadium Lights

February 2, 1996|By Joe Humphrey Dr. phillips High

The lights may be temporarily back on for Boone Highs baseball program, but that doesnt make the issue any less stupid. For those not familiar with the situation, let me shed some light on the subject (pardon the pun).

In 1994, a complaint was filed with the U.S. Department of Educations Office of Civil Rights in Atlanta saying that Boone violated the Title IX gender equity ruling. The complaint was over the lights in the boys stadium. The girls stadium does not have the luxury of lighting. Therefore, the situation isnt equal.

At first, it was thought the boys would have to play without having the lights turned on. But now Boone has been given a year to find a way to light the softball field, and the boys dont have to play in the dark.

Sounds fair, right? If the men have lights, so should the women.

Normally, Id agree. But in this case, parents and boosters back in the 80s raised more than $50,000 to buy the lamps. So if the softball team wants lights, I offer the following advice: Get motivated, raise the money and put up the lights yourself.

The team is doing some fund-raising, but it also wants the county to find some grant money. To me, if the baseball team had to raise all the money, then so should the softball team. Thats equity, and thats exactly what the Title IX calls for.

My school does not feature a lighted softball field, as is the case with every school in Orange County except West Orange High. As a matter of fact, our softball facility is nothing more than a fenced-in diamond and outfield with some dilapidated bleachers. Coach Dianne Davidson has organized a plan to upgrade the facilities with money raised by her team not grant hand-outs.

When my school is done renovating the softball facilities, it will feel good about raising the money to accomplish the project. There will be a piece of the school for ladies to look at and claim as their own. The softball team will be on equal footing with our baseball teams stadium, which has lights.

For now, the lights are also on for Boones baseball team. But to Boones softball team members, I say get going to raise those funds. Dont wait for grant money. Youve been given a year. Solve this problem on your own. Youll feel good about it, and it will prevent another battle next year.